The gifts of the Holy Spirit poured out. (44–48)Verses 1–8
Hitherto none had been baptized into the Christian church but Jews, Samaritans, and those
converts who had been circumcised and observed the ceremonial law; but now the Gentiles were
to be called to partake all the privileges of God's people, without first becoming Jews. Pure and
undefiled religion is sometimes found where we least expect it. Wherever the fear of God rules in
the heart, it will appear both in works of charity and of piety, neither will excuse from the other.
Doubtless Cornelius had true faith in God's word, as far as he understood it, though not as yet clear
faith in Christ. This was the work of the Spirit of God, through the mediation of Jesus, even before
Cornelius knew him, as is the case with us all when we, who before were dead in sin, are made
alive. Through Christ also his prayers and alms were accepted, which otherwise would have been
rejected. Without dispute or delay Cornelius was obedient to the heavenly vision. In the affairs of
our souls, let us not lose time.
Verses 9–18
The prejudices of Peter against the Gentiles, would have prevented his going to Cornelius,
unless the Lord had prepared him for this service. To tell a Jew that God had directed those animals
to be reckoned clean which were hitherto deemed unclean, was in effect saying, that the law of
Moses was done away. Peter was soon made to know the meaning of it. God knows what services
are before us, and how to prepare us; and we know the meaning of what he has taught us, when we
find what occasion we have to make use of it.
Verses 19–33
When we see our call clear to any service, we should not be perplexed with doubts and scruples
arising from prejudices or former ideas. Cornelius had called together his friends, to partake with
him of the heavenly wisdom he expected from Peter. We should not covet to eat our spiritual morsels
alone. It ought to be both given and taken as kindness and respect to our kindred and friends, to
invite them to join us in religious exercises. Cornelius declared the direction God gave him to send
for Peter. We are right in our aims in attending a gospel ministry, when we do it with regard to the
Divine appointment requiring us to make use of that ordinance. How seldom ministers are called
to speak to such companies, however small, in which it may be said that they are all present in the
sight of God, to hear all things that are commanded of God! But these were ready to hear what
Peter was commanded of God to say.
Verses 34–43
Acceptance cannot be obtained on any other ground than that of the covenant of mercy, through
the atonement of Christ; but wherever true religion is found, God will accept it without regarding
names or sects. The fear of God and works of righteousness are the substance of true religion, the
effects of special grace. Though these are not the cause of a man's acceptance, yet they show it;